By Victoria Agyemang
Brabedzi (C/R), May 15, GNA- The Central Regional Gender Department has intensified efforts to eliminate Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) in communities by empowering the youth to champion the campaign against abuse and harmful practices.
The initiative, aimed at promoting awareness and behavioural change, engaged young people as advocates in educating their peers and community members on the effects of SGBV and the need to uphold the rights of women and children.
Speaking at a youth engagement forum at Brabedzi in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Madam Richlove Amamoo, Head of Department of Gender, said the involvement of the youth was critical in the fight against GBV because they represented a significant force for social transformation.
She said many cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse and harmful cultural practices persisted due to silence, fear and inadequate education, adding that empowering the youth with knowledge and advocacy skills would help address the challenges at the grassroots level.
“The youth are agents of change. When they are well-informed and empowered, they can influence attitudes, challenge harmful norms and help create safer communities free from violence and abuse,” she stated.
She said efforts by the Department formed part of measures to educate citizens on the harmful effects of GBV, promote gender equality and encourage victims to report abuse for support and justice.
Madam Amamoo noted that many victims remained silent due to fear, stigma and lack of knowledge about available support systems, adding that taking the campaign directly to communities would help bridge the information gap.
“The fight against gender-based violence cannot be won from the offices alone. We must engage people at the grassroots, educate families and empower communities to speak against all forms of abuse,” she said.
Some participants commended the Department for the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary in promoting peaceful homes and safer communities.
Mr Moses Bedu, a community leader, pledged the support in addressing harmful cultural practices and ensuring that perpetrators of abuse were reported to the appropriate authorities.
The Gender Department said it would continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including civil society organisations and local assemblies, to sustain education and advocacy efforts aimed at eliminating GBV in the country.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah